Best Pancetta And Pepper Baked Pasta Recipes

PASTA WITH ROASTED GARLIC, PANCETTA AND ARUGULA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Trim hairy root and green stem from green garlic, or trim 1/4-inch off top of regular garlic, making sure to expose all cloves.
• Place garlic in a small, shallow baking dish, root side down, and drizzle each with a little olive oil. Cover dish with foil. Roast until cloves or bulbs are golden brown, about 40 minutes to 1 hour (green garlic will cook faster than regular garlic). If bottom of dish starts to burn before garlic is roasted, add one tablespoon water. Transfer to a rack to cool. Garlic can be roasted up to one day ahead; wrap well and store in refrigerator.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add pancetta and red pepper flakes. Sauté until pancetta is golden and crisp around edges, about 5 minutes.
• Peel outside layer of green garlic, or if using regular garlic, squeeze cloves from their papery skins. Chop roasted garlic, and add to skillet with lemon juice and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Add drained pasta and arugula to skillet, place over low heat, and toss until arugula wilts. Add just enough cooking water to scrape up brown bits in pan (do this 1 tablespoon at a time). Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve with Parmesan.

PENNE PASTA WITH CHICKEN & CRISPY PANCETTA

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with cold water, add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil; bring to a boil.
• Wash chicken and pat dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper.
• Heat a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat; add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté chicken until no longer pink. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels (keep warm).
• Sauté pancetta in a small skillet on low heat until crispy; drain on a plate lined with paper towels (keep warm).
• To a large-sized, heavy bottomed skillet add 3 tablespoons of oil; heat through. Add the garlic and sauté until slightly browned about 1 minute.
• Add the tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the basil and oregano over the tomatoes; sauté for 3 minutes or until tomatoes are warmed through and skins slightly blistered.
• Cook pasta as directed, drain and add to the large skillet. Gently toss with the tomato mixture. Add the the cheese and parsley; give another toss. Top with the chicken and pancetta just before serving.